FAQ’S:

Q: What is Inclusive Access?

A: Inclusive Access is a program that provides more affordable access to digital textbooks and course materials to students when an instructor uses digital content in their course through the Inclusive Access program. Access is provided electronically before the first day of class, and the discounted access cost is billed to the student’s account after the add/drop deadline for the current term.

 

Q: How long will it take me to engage with this software compared to my alternatives?

A: Selecting Inclusive Access for your course is as easy as a click of a button. You’ll submit your text as you usually do through the Cal Student Store Faculty Portal and if a digital version of the text is available through Inclusive Access, simply select that option and you are done. That text will now be made available to all enrolled students on the first day of class.

 

Q: Must I participate in the Inclusive Access program for all my courses?

A: The decision to utilize Inclusive Access e-materials is at the course level. Faculty make the choice whether or not to participate in the program on a text by text basis. Ample training and support will be available to faculty both before and after making the transition to Inclusive Access delivery models.

 

Q: When will students have access to my assigned readings and materials?

A: Students receive access to all Inclusive Access materials before the start of classes. Your students will all start on an equal footing without waiting for financial aid, shipping, or more shopping around. You can assign homework or pre-readings sooner.

 

Q: How do I know if students are using the courseware assigned?

A: You will be able to assess engagement via courseware reports and/or eText tracking. Continually track student progress so you can optimize instruction & support for maximum student success.

Q: How do I opt-in to have my students be able to auto-access digital texts and course materials?

A: When submitting course materials to the Cal Student Store, the adoption tool will inform you if the materials selected are eligible to participate in Inclusive Access. It will provide comparison of pricing for Inclusive Access vs a traditional model. If you select to use Inclusive Access, this will inform the bookstore to enable the program for your course and enrolled students will be informed through bCourses.

Q: How do optional texts work?

A: Optional texts would have no default access and students can make arrangements to get these materials through other means if they choose.

Q: What are the adoption deadlines for digital courseware? Is it the same as regular textbook adoption deadlines?

A: Deadlines are the same to conform to HEOA federal guidelines. This allows students to know what course materials are required when they enroll.

Q: What are Interactive or Adaptive Courseware Platforms?

A: Interactive Courseware is much more than just an e-book. While platforms like Mastering, MindTap, Connect, and LaunchPad typically include a full digital text, they have added interactive content designed to make the reading more engaging, which increases comprehension and retention of the material and can ultimately lead to greater student success. They can include videos and interactive animations, quizzes, and homework sets which can include hints and/or links to the related text for incorrect answers, serving as a virtual tutor. They also allow for various levels of customization by the instructor, peer-to-peer sharing of notes, and the creation of digital flashcards you can use with smartphone apps.

Q: Will I be limited to materials and courseware from a single publisher?

A: No, when institutions implement an inclusive access model, they’re not limited to working with one learning company (publisher). Academic freedom is not compromised, as Inclusive Access gives faculty the freedom to continue using the course materials and digital courseware of their choice.

Q: Will I need to alter my course to accommodate Inclusive Access?

A: While faculty using print texts will experience some changes, those using eBooks or courseware do not have to alter anything about their course or even their syllabus — it’s simply a change in the content delivery model to simplify the process for both students and faculty.

Q: How do I access Inclusive Access?

A: To enroll your course in Inclusive Access, you will indicate this when submitting your course adoptions through the Cal Student Store. If you have interactive courseware, access will still be provided through the publisher’s sites as it has been previously.

Q: What does it mean for a student to opt-out?

A: When a course has Inclusive Access titles required, the student is automatically provided the materials through bCourses. If they stay in the class and do not opt-out, they will retain access to the materials and be billed on their student account. If they opt-out they will not have access to your digital content and will not be billed.

Q: Why should academic departments go through the Cal Student Store for digital access?

A: Publishers are beginning to use a digital-only direct to student solution in order to circumvent the Cal Student Store. This severely cuts the support the Student Store can provide to student organizations and programs. More importantly, the direct-to-department model costs more to the students as it is circumventing the Student Store’s buying power and ability to negotiate prices. Furthermore each department will have to spend time and resources negotiating prices separately.

Q: How are administrators and faculty onboarded and supported?

A: The Cal Student Store will maintain dedicated staff to support faculty and students with any questions they may have around Inclusive Access. We will provide training, if requested, to anyone within the campus community to support their interactions with the program.

Q: Will publishers still provide copies to libraries?

A: The major publishers we spoke to replied that they would still provide copies as they have in the past. The library manages this relationship with publishers and is separate from the Inclusive Access program.